Acid Reflux & Acidity Problems
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation, inflammation, and symptoms like heartburn. While occasional acid reflux is common, frequent episodes may indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Acidity problems refer to excessive acid production in the stomach, leading to discomfort, burning sensation, and indigestion. At Blume Health, our gastroenterology team offers comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for acid reflux and related digestive disorders.
Causes
- Weakening of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)
- Hiatal hernia (a condition where part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm)
- Obesity or pregnancy (which increase pressure on the abdomen)
- Certain foods and beverages (spicy, fatty, or fried foods, citrus, tomatoes, chocolate, coffee, alcohol)
- Smoking
- Certain medications (aspirin, ibuprofen, certain muscle relaxers, blood pressure medications)
- Eating large meals or lying down right after eating
- Stress and anxiety
- Delayed stomach emptying
- Connective tissue disorders like scleroderma
Signs and Symptoms
- Heartburn (a burning sensation in the chest that may spread to the throat)
- Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Feeling like there's a lump in your throat
- Chronic cough, especially at night
- Laryngitis or hoarseness
- Disrupted sleep
- New or worsening asthma
- Chest pain (which may be confused with heart attack)
- Bad breath
- Nausea and vomiting
- Wearing away of tooth enamel due to excess acid
Diagnosis
Medical History and Physical Examination
Your doctor will review your symptoms, medical history, and perform a physical examination.
Upper Endoscopy (EGD)
A thin, flexible tube with a light and camera (endoscope) is passed down your throat to examine the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine for inflammation, ulcers, or other abnormalities.
Ambulatory Acid (pH) Probe Test
A monitor is placed in your esophagus to identify when and for how long stomach acid regurgitates into your esophagus.
Esophageal Manometry
This test measures the rhythmic muscle contractions in your esophagus when you swallow and the coordination and force exerted by the muscles of your esophagus.
X-ray of the Upper Digestive System
After drinking a chalky liquid that coats and fills the inside lining of the digestive tract, X-rays are taken that may reveal a hiatal hernia or other structural abnormalities.
Treatment Options
Lifestyle and Dietary Modifications
Changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals, not lying down after eating, elevating the head of your bed, quitting smoking, and managing stress can significantly reduce symptoms.
Medications
Over-the-counter and prescription medications including antacids, H2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and prokinetics can help neutralize stomach acid, reduce acid production, or strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter.
Surgical and Endoscopic Procedures
For severe cases that don't respond to other treatments, procedures like fundoplication (wrapping the top of the stomach around the LES), LINX device implantation, or endoscopic techniques may be recommended.
Home Remedies
Elevate the Head of Your Bed
Raise the head of your bed 6-8 inches by placing blocks under the bedposts or using a wedge pillow under your mattress to help gravity keep stomach acid in the stomach while you sleep.
Avoid Trigger Foods
Identify and avoid foods that trigger your acid reflux, commonly including spicy foods, fatty foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, mint, garlic, onions, and carbonated beverages.
Eat Smaller Meals
Having smaller meals throughout the day instead of three large meals can reduce pressure on the stomach and minimize acid reflux.
Stay Upright After Eating
Wait at least 2-3 hours after eating before lying down or going to bed to give your stomach time to empty.
Ginger Tea
Drinking ginger tea can help soothe the digestive system and reduce inflammation, potentially easing acid reflux symptoms.
Preventive Care
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals
- Avoid foods and beverages that trigger your symptoms
- Don't lie down right after eating
- Elevate the head of your bed
- Don't smoke or use tobacco products
- Limit or avoid alcohol
- Wear loose-fitting clothes around your waist
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques
- Stay upright for at least 2-3 hours after meals
Surgical Options
Fundoplication
A surgical procedure where the upper part of the stomach (fundus) is wrapped around the lower end of the esophagus and stitched in place. This strengthens the lower esophageal sphincter and helps prevent acid from flowing back into the esophagus. It can be performed as an open surgery or laparoscopically.
LINX Device
A ring of tiny magnetic beads is wrapped around the junction between the stomach and esophagus. The magnetic attraction between the beads is strong enough to keep the opening closed to refluxing acid but weak enough to allow food to pass through.
Stretta Procedure
An endoscopic, non-surgical procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter and the muscle of the lower esophagus.
Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF)
A less invasive approach to fundoplication that is performed through the mouth using an endoscope rather than through abdominal incisions.
Schedule a Consultation
If you're experiencing symptoms of acid reflux & acidity problems, our expert team is here to help you find the right treatment approach for your specific needs.